What Happens Next

After the death of a loved one, you may need emotional support and clerical assistance to guide you through what happens next. During this time, Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services will help you step-by-step through memorial planning, helping you get the necessary documentation together so that you can begin the healing process.

Experienced and Caring Staff Always Available

Working with knowledgeable funeral home staff will take some stress away from funeral planning. We have the information you need and the emotional support you seek. With guidance, you may ask the director and staff members any questions you may have, and discuss the details of arrangements in person.

The funeral director will help you during the initial call and assisting in transporting your loved one to the funeral home. From there, you will set up a date and time to meet at the funeral home, as well as receive a notification as to what you should bring along.

The funeral director will also ask if there are arrangements in place. If there are none, we will assist you in every way we can through the difficulties of losing a loved one, and the planning process in its entirety.

The best way to avoid any confusion or stress is to have funeral arrangements in place. To discuss how to outline your wishes and strategically set up financial arrangements, simply contact us.

What to Expect at the Funeral Home

Upon your initial visit to the funeral home after the death of a loved one, a funeral director will share a general price list with you. As we guide you through the arrangement process, we work to carefully explain how you can design the perfect celebration of life. You know your loved one best, so we listen to your wishes and create a plan based off of them.

The arrangement process may include:

Preparing and filing the official death certificate

Scheduling the date, location, and time for the service

Selecting a casket, urn or other items

Preparing an obituary notice

Scheduling vehicles

Selecting pallbearers

Signing necessary authorizations or making arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate individuals

If you have a favorite song in mind, or want to share photos and other memorabilia, bring them in. A funeral director can help you include these pieces within the service. Throughout the arrangement process, we will help you create a heartfelt, meaningful tribute to your loved one.

What Information Will the Funeral Director Need?

Small details can be hard to remember at the easiest of times, never mind after the death of a loved one. This helpful checklist shows what information and items from the deceased will be needed for your meeting with the funeral director:

Full legal name and home address

Social Security number

Date of birth

Place of birth

Father's name

Mother's maiden name

State of birth

Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214)

Recent Photograph

Highest education

Occupation

Place of burial (if applicable)

Clothing

Clergy name and phone number

Survivors (name and relationship)

Insurance policies (if applicable)

If you have urgent questions or needs, we’re here for you. You can call (352) 414-4206​ to discuss what’s next with a devoted staff member.